John E. “Spit” Petruney

The first son born to George “Pico” Petruney and Barbara (Vertilla) Petruney on July 7, 1939 in Kane, PA.

He graduated Sheffield High School in 1957, quickly joined the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada. After being discharged from active duty he served in the Air Force Reserves from 1960 to 1963. John served as an autopilot repair mechanic until 1961. After Honorable Discharge, moved back to Sheffield, he was employed as Sylvania until his retirement.

On July 8, 1967, he married the love of his life, Nancy Jean Kabelin, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Warren, PA and they shared 57 years of marriage. They briefly lived in Sheffield, moving to Tiona in 1969, starting a family soon after.

John and Nancy worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their children, Robert and Tanya. His favorite time of the year was summer, having a green thumb, grew fruits and vegetables, Nancy would spend hours canning in the kitchen. He enjoyed taking his daughter fishing for brook trout, more walking and talking than fishing. In the winter, it was Sunday football, woodworking in his garage, and taking his son whitetail deer hunting, more sitting and talking than hunting.

In his final days, he was quoted, “I am a fighter”.

II Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Those who have gone before him, an infant son, Eric, and his parents.

Left behind to cherish John’s memory are his wife Nancy, son Robert (Tammy) of LaSalle, IL and daughter Tanya, Comstock, TX; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Bradford Manor for the outstanding care they gave to John.

Friends of John E. “Spit” Petruney will be received on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Borden Funeral Home in Sheffield, PA 16347. A Blessing Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home with Father Mark Ohern of St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church in Sheffield officiating. Full Military Honors will be accorded by the Sheffield VFW Honor Guard along with members of the United States Air Force at the Sheffield Cemetery.

To leave an online condolence for John E. “Spit” Petruney, please visit www.bordenfuneralhome. com.